{"id":10763,"date":"2016-01-13T06:00:26","date_gmt":"2016-01-13T11:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbittinger.com\/thoughts\/?p=10763"},"modified":"2025-04-21T01:56:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T05:56:38","slug":"10763-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pineymountainfoster.org\/thoughts\/10763-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Self-Balancing Unicycle"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you hankering for a compact, ecologically smart form of transportation that requires less work and hassle than a bicycle? Do you want something that can be maneuvered easily and parked anywhere \u2013 even in your living room, or entry hall? Remember George Jetson\u2019s sky car that folded up into a briefcase? This self-balancing unicycle is almost as good.<\/p>\n

Focus Designs, maker of the Segway, has come up with an electrically powered vehicle that fills all these requirements and is only half as dorky as a Segway.<\/p>\n

\"Self-Balancing<\/a>
Self Balancing Unicycle (SBU)This self balancing unicycle (both it\u2019s name and what it does \u2013 very practical!) uses three gyroscopes to maintain an upright condition and a battery powered accelerometer motor tucked away in the hub of the wheel to produce a light weight, highly maneuverable and totally non-polluting personal transportation device.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Putting the motor in the hub means no troublesome drive chains and a lowered center of gravity over the Version 1 model, and the power as been increased from 350 watts to 1,000 watts so it has the power to easily climb hills.<\/p>\n

Sophisticated algorithms and three gyroscopes wired to the wheel help the rider stay upright. To go faster, lean forward a little, to slow down or stop, lean back; it\u2019s just that simple. It usually takes only about 20 minutes for a new rider to learn to control the SBU.<\/p>\n

The low-mounted, folding foot pegs make control and comfort while riding quite easy. It\u2019s great for students who want convenient campus transportation, or for commuters who want a \u201cLast Mile\u201d option for getting from the parking lot or public transit station to their destination. It\u2019s also pretty good for getting a little attention on a leisurely ride through the park!<\/p>\n

Can you \u201cwipe out\u201d on an SBU? Well, sure! But you can do that on a bicycle, or a motorcycle or even in a car if you\u2019re not careful.<\/p>\n

Interested? Here\u2019s the best part: this SBU with 1,000 Watt Hub Motor, 38.4V 5Ah LiFePO4 Battery, Comes fully assembled with charger and 1 year warranty for under $1,500 USD.<\/p>\n

The only drawback I can see is that there is no place haul home a weeks worth of groceries and trucking home a load of 2x4s could be tricky.<\/p>\n